Or the beach in your backyard. Because, really, it's all about the right state of mind. That, and the right beer or cocktail.By Leslie Pariseau

How to Pack

How to Pack

How you plan to drink should dictate how you pack, but there are some ground rules. A cooler is requisite, and you should invest in a good one. Growing up, my dad loaded up for camping or shore trips with a Coleman steel-belted cooler, which maintains a classic, man-of-the-woods (or sand) masculinity and keeps everything super-cold. Toss in the ice, a bottle of sunscreen, a sixer of beer (Pacificos or Modelos), and a bottle of bubbly (we'll explain later).

The Drinking Vessels

The Drinking Vessels

Of course, you could always default to classic red Solo cups, but if you want to class it up (or look like you're not in college), stock up on a set of collapsible metal cups. They'll keep cocktails colder for longer and create minimal waste, and they're compact enough to chill in the cooler en route.